Making tummy time tear-free!
By Karissa Shiraishi, PT, DPT, PCS
Does your little one cry immediately after being placed on their tummy? Are you overwhelmed with where to start? Here are some of our top tips for transforming tummy time from a chore into a bonding experience for you and your baby.
1. Get Down on Their Level: Babies are naturally drawn to your face and voice. Make tummy time more engaging by getting down on the floor with them. Play face-to-face, sing, and interact to create a positive association with the activity. Enlist older siblings to join in the fun, turning tummy time into a family affair.
2. Introduce Stimulating Toys: Make tummy time exciting by incorporating toys that capture your baby's attention. Mirrors, musical toys, and plastic bead necklaces are excellent choices. Consider investing in a tummy time inflatable water mat to add an extra sensory dimension to the experience. The novelty of these items can turn tummy time into an enjoyable playtime.
3. Provide Support with Gentle Pressure: Some babies may find lifting their heads during tummy time challenging. To assist them, apply gentle downward pressure on their hips or place a towel roll under their chest. This helps shift their center of gravity towards their hips, making it easier for them to lift their head and build the necessary muscle strength.
4. Start Slow and Gradually Increase: If your baby isn't initially a fan of tummy time, ease into it. Begin with short, manageable bursts and gradually extend the duration as your little one becomes more comfortable. Incorporate tummy time into a routine, perhaps after a diaper change, to establish a sense of predictability. Avoid scheduling tummy time right after feeding to prevent discomfort.
5. Diversify Tummy Time Locations: Tummy time doesn't have to be confined to the floor. Experiment with different surfaces such as your chest, lap, or even a sibling's back. This variation not only provides a change of scenery but also allows for bonding moments in different settings.
Tummy time is crucial for your baby's development, fostering essential motor skills and muscle strength. By incorporating these tips and tricks, you can transform tummy time into an enjoyable and beneficial activity for both you and your little one!
If your little one is continuing to struggle with tummy time, an evaluation with a physical therapist can help! At First Step Pediatric Therapy, our goal is to empower and support families in helping little ones feel good in their body, move well, and thrive. Let the front office know that you’re a Heybrook member for a discount on an evaluation!
Learn more about Karissa Shiraishi and her work at First Step Pediatric Therapy
